Turns out that seemingly innocent refreshment isn’t so innocent. What most people don’t realize is that the simple garden hose may actually be contaminated with a variety of chemicals. The environmental group HealthyStuff.org published research from the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center showing that “high amounts of lead, phthalates and the toxic chemical BPA were all found in the water of a new hose after it had been sitting outside in the sun for just a few days.” According to the website, such chemicals have been linked to birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, premature births and early puberty in laboratory animals, among other serious health problems.

The water sampled from one hose contained lead levels 18-times higher than the federal drinking water standard of 0.015 mg/l. Levels of the toxic chemical BPA was 20-times higher than the 0.100 ppm safe drinking water level advised by the governmental agency the National Science Foundation (NSF). The phthalate DEHP was found at 0.025 ppm in the hose water, which is 4-times higher than federal drinking water standards.

Here are the safety precautions advised by HealthyStuff.org:

• Read the labels. Don’t allow children or animals to drink water from hoses unless you know the hose was labeled “drinking water safe” and “lead-free.”
• Let it run: Always let your hose run for a few seconds before using, since the water that’s been sitting in the hose will have the highest levels of chemicals.
• Avoid the sun: Store your hose in the shade. The heat from the sun can increase the leaching of chemicals from the PVC into the water.
• Don’t drink water from a hose, unless you know for sure that the hose is drinking water safe. Even low levels of lead may cause health problems.
• Buy a PVC-free hose: Polyurethane or natural rubber hoses are better choices. Visit http://www.healthystuff.org/ for sample products.

For more details on what the Ecology Center researchers found, and what you can do to avoid toxic chemicals this gardening season, visit http://www.healthystuff.org/.

Now concern has arisen regarding toxicity from a different metal: cadmium. Cadmium has been around forever and its exposure has been known to be hazardous. Surprisingly, the most common source of exposure to this toxic metal for children is: JEWELRY! It is very important not allow children to mouth or play with any type of metal jewelry, even those “teething bead necklaces” sold on the internet. It is especially important to be wary of possible cadmium toxicity in toys and jewelry imported from China.

The big concern with cadmium is that there is no real treatment for toxicity. The best that can be done is to manage the symptoms. Symptoms of cadmium exposure include: fever, chills and muscle aches, for mild exposure; chest pain and pulmonary edema for more severe exposure.

Also, cigarette smoke contains cadmium. Yet another reason to stop smoking or at least move it outside and away from children.

But fear of skin cancer isn’t the only reason to remember to slather on the sunscreen and pop on a hat. A severe sunburn, like any burn, can be very painful and result in secondary infection.

Unlike many other health problems, sunburns are easily preventable! By teaching your children sun smart skills from an early age, you will be establishing good habits that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Here are a few sun smart facts:

• Sunscreen should be used on all children 6 months and older (it is not recommended to use sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months), even those with dark skin.
• Tanning beds are no safer than tanning outside. The only safe tan is the kind you spray on or spread on from a bottle!
• Apply sunscreen generously and reapply often. A little more than a shot glass full is needed to adequately protect all exposed areas of skin on an adult. Do not forget to apply to the lips, ears and back of neck—common areas for people to miss, and common areas for skin cancers to form. Reapply sunscreen (even waterproof kinds) after each towel down and/or every two hours.
• Always apply sunscreen to dry skin at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure to allow adequate time for it to soak into the skin.
• It is best to stay completely out of direct sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays are strongest. When your shadow is shorter than you are, protect your skin by staying in doors, staying in shaded areas or covering your skin with clothing or sunscreen.
• While it is true that sunlight manufactures Vitamin D in our bodies, getting it through intense rays of the summer sun is not a safe idea. Minimum daily activities in and out of the sun should be enough. My recommendation is to use sunscreen and supplement your child’s diet (and yours) with vitamin D fortified foods such as milk, orange juice, yogurt, breakfast cereals and eggs.
• Don’t get misled by a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor). An SPF 15 gives 93% protection against UVB rays, while an SPF 30 gives 97% protection. Doubling the SPF only increases the protection by 5%. While most people can use SPF 15, those with very fair skin may want to use an SPF 30. Whatever the SPF, the key to sun protection is still to reapply liberally.
• While combination products of sunscreen and insect repellent seem like a good idea, they don’t make sense. Insect repellent should only be applied once every 24 hours, while sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours. You do the math! Additionally, insect repellent decreases the protection of sunscreen. If you do use a combination product, you still must reapply a sunscreen-only product every two hours.
• In addition to sunscreen, block the sun through wide brimmed hats and sunglasses with UVA protection. Additionally, long sleeves, thin cotton T-shirts and long pants will provide some protection. But remember, clothing only protects at the level of SPF 5-9 (even less when wet), so unless the clothing is specifically created to block the sun, it’s important to apply sunscreen under clothes.
• When choosing a sunscreen look for ones that are:
• Water resistant
• Provide both UVB and UVA protection
• Are at least an SPF of 30
• Carry the American Association of Dermatologist (AAD) seal of recognition. However, if the sunscreen is generic and meets all the criteria except the AAD seal of recognition, it may not be worth the difference in price.
• PABA-free

When initially trying a new sunscreen, apply to a small area on the foot for 2-3 days to make sure your child tolerates it.  If there is a reaction, stop using it immediately. Sometimes ingredients such as oxybenzone and dioxbenzone can cause problems, so make sure you read the label.

More and more adolescents are going to shooting ranges with their parents. Even children and adolescents who are not at the ranges are at risk from the lead brought home on parents clothing and shoes.

It may be a wise idea to limit your child’s exposure to shooting ranges (especially indoor ranges) and/or take precautions to decrease their exposure to the lead that is common at the ranges.

Here are some ways to decrease exposure to lead at shooting ranges:

• Do not lie in the soil to shoot.
• Do not load your own ammunition.
• Do not shoot in a poorly ventilated indoor range.
• Avoid shooting on days when the wind is blowing towards you.
• Do not eat while shooting. After shooting wash hands thoroughly before you eat or touch your eyes or nose.
• If using an indoor range, wear a mask (a standard hospital mask works well).
• Wear protective clothing when shooting and remove the clothing before leaving range.
• Leave shoes worn at the shooting range outside the house.

There have been several reports in the literature of adolescents with high blood lead levels from shooting ranges. There are likely more younger children affected, but no one checks this age category. If your child is at risk, bring it to your doctors attention, a simple blood test can be done to check the level of lead in the bloodstream.

Prior to 1978, lead was widely used in gasoline and paint. Its use has since been banned in these products, however, older homes that haven’t been repainted are likely to have surfaces with lead-based paint. Old paint can flake, chip, and create dust contaminated with lead. Babies and young children living in homes with degrading lead-based paint are at high risk for lead contamination.

Here are additional sources of lead exposure:

• Lead pipes or lead soldering used in plumbing.
• Lead soldered food cans–banned in the United states, but still used in other countries.
• Lead contaminated soil. Lead settles in soil contaminated with gasoline. This is especially significant for homes near highways.
• Household dust–especially if the house has old, chipping paint.
• Glazed pottery made in foreign countries, such as Mexico.
• Toys–especially those made in China and commonly found in vending machines.
• Home remedies/folk medicines used by East Indian, Indian, Middle Eastern, West Asian and Hispanic cultures with product names such as Greta, Azarcon, Litargirio, Ba-baw-san, Ghasard, Daw Tway.
• Certain cosmetics, such as particular brands of kohl eyeliner.
• Older, imported vinyl mini blinds.
• Costume jewelry—especially jewelry marketed for children.

Additionally, some hobbies and jobs involve handling lead, such as stained glass window making (lead soldering), battery melting, welding, and bridge demolition.

Here are some simple things you can do to prevent/decrease your family’s exposure to lead:

• Do not use hot tap water to cook food or make formula. Hot water is more likely to leach lead from household pipes.
• Do not use lead-containing home remedies, such as the ones listed above.
• Do not let children eat paint chips.
• Do not let children mouth vinyl window blinds.
• Vacuum, mop, and dust regularly—especially if you live in an older home.
• Check the date your house was built and/or the last time it was painted.
• If your job/hobby involves lead exposure, leave contaminated shoes and clothing outside of the house.
• Do not let kids play with, or mouth, vending machine jewelry, vending machine toys or costume jewelry.
• Do not use glazed pottery from other countries for cooking or serving food.

Symptoms of lead toxicity include:

• Sluggishness
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Learning difficulties
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Slow growth
• Language impairment
• Poor fine motor skills

The best plan of action is to prevent exposure to lead. If you think your child may have been exposed to lead sources, bring it to the attention of your doctor. Symptoms generally appear when levels are dangerously high. However, even at lower levels studies have shown that children may exhibit learning difficulties.

Treatments for lead toxicity vary according to the level of lead in the blood. Fortunately, since lead is no longer used in paint, lead toxicity is less common, especially in newer homes in the suburbs. However, it is still a big issue in the inner city and in older homes. Take a few minutes and review your risk. If you have any uncertainty, discuss it with your pediatrician. If you suspect lead exposure, a simple blood test can determine the level of lead in the body.

If you think your home has old, lead-based paint, or you have other concerns about lead in your environment, visit: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm.

And it’s not just young children we need to be concerned about when it comes to magnets. Recently I treated a 16-year-old who had ingested three magnetic balls, while last year a thirteen year old Colorado girl nearly died after swallowing two magnet balls. The girl had been trying to give the illusion of having a pierced tongue by putting the balls on the top and bottom of her tongue. Unfortunately the balls slipped down her throat and wreaked havoc in her intestines. Powerfully drawn together from different parts of her digestive system, they caused blockage and almost seared a hole in her intestines.

If magnets are ingested, your child needs to receive medical attention. The progress of the magnet will need to be monitored as it travels through the digestive system. Especially if more than one magnet was ingested or if there is abdominal pain, vomiting, etc.

So, be careful. Supervise your little ones around magnetic toys and warn your teens never to put magnets into their mouths.

Low levels of vitamin D are being associated not only with thinning and brittle bones, but many other medical conditions such as depression, heart disease, and some types of cancers. So, lets make sure our children get enough of both nutrients, especially girls who are at higher risk for osteoporosis.

Here are some numbers to help you determine if your children are getting enough of these two important bone builders:

Calcium requirements:
1-3 year olds need about 500 mg per day
4-8 year olds need 800 mg – 1000 mg per day
9-18 year olds need 1300 mg per day

Dairy products are the richest sources of calcium. One cup of non-fat milk provides 306 mg of calcium, cup of plain yogurt contains 452 mg. and 2 ounces of American cheese contains 323 mg. If your child does not like dairy products, or if he or she is lactose intolerant, there are other foods that provide lower levels of calcium such as salmon, calcium fortified cereals, tofu, almonds, and dark green vegetables such as kale and broccoli.

Vitamin D requirements:

Everyone needs at least 600 IU per day. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight, as well as egg yolks, fish and foods that are fortified with vitamin D, such as most commercial dairy products. How much sun exposure is needed for vitamin D to be stored is variable based on skin tones. The lighter the skin, the less time in the sun is needed. Generally 10-15 minutes a day is enough. For more information about calcium and vitamin D visit: http://www.bestbonesforever.gov/best_foods/

Another reason tummy time is important is that babies who spend all their time on their backs can develop a positional skull deformity known as plagiocephaly. This deformity results in an abnormal flattening of the head on the back or either side behind the ear.

In the November issue of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a statement on the prevention of positional skull deformities. They stated that there has been an increase in plagiocephaly since the Back To Sleep campaign started and have issued new recommendations to prevent it.

Here are their recommendations, along with some from Mama Sood:

• Start positioning techniques at birth (no, you do not have to wait until the cord falls off).
• Make sure your baby gets at least 30-60 minutes of tummy time every day. Some of the tummy time can be while the infant is sleeping, BUT the infant must then be observed by an adult. Try to get the bulk of the baby’s tummy time in during waking hours.
• Unless the parent is flat on his or her back, laying the baby on mom or dad’s chest does not count as tummy time.
• At night alternate the head position. One night turn the neck so the infant is facing right; the next night turn the neck so the infant is facing left.
• Periodically move the crib so that the baby is forced to turn his or her neck different ways to look at toys, windows or the door.
• Avoid prolonged placement in a swing or car seat unless the infant has bad reflux.
• Alternate the primary arm you hold your infant in to feed him. Your baby’s natural tendency is to turn towards you when you feed him. This way he has to turn his neck a different way each feeding.
• For breast fed infants, you can try using a different holding technique, however this may not be necessary since alternating left/right breast has the same affect as changing arms for formula fed babies.

What Is a Humidifier?

First let’s consider what humidifiers are. A humidifier is a device used to increase the humidity in a room. Humidity is the amount of water in the air around us.
Too much or too little humidity makes us uncomfortable. Here are two examples:

• Extremely low humidity is what you have in a sauna. There the air is dry, dry, dry. Think: desert.
• Extremely high humidity is what you have in a steam room. There the air is wet and heavy. Think: tropics.

Too little humidity in the air causes your lips to crack and your skin to be dry and itchy. Children with eczema are especially uncomfortable when the air is too dry. Very dry air can also lead to a dry throat, dry nose, nose bleeds, a chronic dry cough and annoying static electricity.

Too much humidity can lead to condensation on windows, mold and breathing issues.

Each person has a different level of comfort when it comes to humidity, but most people find they are comfortable when the humidity in a room measures between 30-50%. When you enter a room it should feel cool and crisp, not hot and stuffy.

Ways to Naturally Humidify Your Home

In the winter heat from your furnace is very drying. Therefore, it is better to keep thermostat on the low side, between 65 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit. If the air in your home is still excessively dry, you may want to add moisture to the air. We naturally add moisture each time we shower, cook, run the dishwasher or washing machine, or open the front door.  However, in the winter, especially with the heat running, these ways of adding moisture are generally not enough. A large pot of water simmering on the stove can help–but be careful that it doesn’t boil dry. You can also put bowls of water around the house to slowly evaporate, or you can purchase a humidifier.

Types of Humidifiers

It can be confusing to decide which type of humidifier is best. 
Here are my suggestions:

Do not use warm mist humidifiers (also known as vaporizers). They put moisture into the air using steam, which can cause accidental burns. They also have a tendency to grow mildew.

Cool mist humidifiers are best. They are safe, easy to clean (some brands have parts that are even dishwasher safe), usually relatively inexpensive and don’t require filters (which again will save money). Also, the water tanks are easy to fill and do not need to be frequently refilled. Some models track the humidity in the air and will turn off once humidity reaches a desired level. Others
turn off automatically when the water tank is empty.
The ones labeled ultrasonic tend to be more energy efficient. Some models are quieter than others making them ideal for the bedroom.
Not every humidifier will have every feature. Find one that has the features that are most important to you.

Keep It Clean

The most important thing about a humidifier is that it must be kept clean. Do not let an unused humidifier sit with water in the tank for more than a few hours. The water can grow microorganisms which will then be released into the room once the humidifier is again turned on. If the humidifier is not being used, empty it out and wipe it dry. Here are additional tips from the Mayo Clinic on keeping your portable humidifier free of harmful mold, fungi and bacteria.

• Use distilled or demineralized water. Tap water contains minerals that can create deposits inside your humidifier that promote bacterial growth. And, when released into the air, these minerals often appear as white dust on your furniture. You may also breathe in some minerals that are dispersed into the air.
• Change humidifier water often. Don’t allow film or deposits to develop inside your humidifiers. Empty the tanks, dry the inside surfaces and refill with clean water every day if possible.
• Clean humidifiers every three days. Unplug the humidifier before you clean it. Remove any mineral deposits or film from the tank or other parts of the humidifier with a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution, which is available at pharmacies. Some manufacturers recommend using chlorine bleach or other disinfectants. Rinse thoroughly.
• Consider replacing old humidifiers. Over time, humidifiers can build up deposits that are difficult or impossible to remove and encourage growth of bacteria.

I need to plan my vacation.
I do not want to gain more weight.
I am tired of being pregnant.
I am a planner and need to have control.
Holidays are coming and I want to be in shape.
My marathon is only 8 weeks away and I have to get in shape to run.
I want the tax deduction this year.
I have met my deductible for this year.

Since as a medical community we still do not know what triggers labor, is it the baby or the mother or what? Yes, the baby is fully ‘formed’ at 37 weeks and the lungs are mature, but as the commercial says, ‘your masterpiece’ is not done. Why try to make labor fit your schedule? We do not know what else may be maturing in those last few weeks. All I am saying is think about it before opting for an induction to fit your schedule. Let things unfold as they are suppose to and enjoy the time and anticipation. if there is a medical need, your ob-gyn will tell you.
Needless to say, once a baby comes out there goes the schedule, the predictability and control of every situation. I am not saying life is chaos with children, but there is a definite unpredictability of life once children enter the picture. Still the joys far out weigh the stress, so let’s enjoy the ride and let our bodies tell us when our babies are ready to be born.